Armed Intruder Preparation DOES NOT Equal Prevention, But...

When it comes to an armed intruder/active shooter, preparedness is a key part of the equation.

Preventing an armed intruder should revolve around a comprehensive strategy.

Comprehensive preparedness includes:

Training (and reinforcement)

Practice and drills

Understanding the behavioral signs of an attacker

Threat assessment

Policy development

Workplace violence program development & implementation

Proactive access control & visitor management protocols

What does preparedness achieve?

Immediate and appropriate response

Quickly mitigate continued commission of crime

Deterrence (in some circumstances)

Possible recognition of the intentions PRIOR to commission of act

Reduces increased injury or loss of life

Reduces long term effects of the incident to those involved

Preparation DOES NOT equal prevention but it does allow more identifiable opportunities to de-escalate risk and/or mitigate the effects of an armed intruder/active shooter event at the earliest opportunity if it does occur.

Bottom Line: Preventing every attack is impossible, but planning and preparing your organization is a good start to reducing the overall impact of an armed intruder.